Okay just clarifying a few things: Yes that was Blister and Burner from the Third-Degree Burners, they own the gym together. Cyclonis and the Dark Ace will be the villains in this story and will be appearing soon. How Piper's causing the accidents will be explained but patience is needed - can't blow the big secret too soon :)

I also went back and rewrote the previous chapters to rid them of any grammatical errors, I also changed Fabian's name back to Finn as I could not picture him right with a different name.
And yes Aerrow's last name was a reference to the Lightning Claw and Piper's to her fascination with Crystals. ;)

This chapter will show a bit more about Aerrow's background and Radarr finally appears- YAY!

I do not own the Storm Hawks, if I did there would be a lot more Piper and Aerrow moments :p

oOoOo

"I mean come on Aerrow! Way to show a guy up?" Finn pouted.

From a seat to the right of me Starling voiced "It's called chivalry Finn, maybe you should try it some time."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what you think it means!"

As soon as had I walked into class Finn pounced on me demanding to know why I had gone over to help Piper and what had happened. I could not escape his questioning due to his designated seat being directly in front of mine and with him straddling the back of his chair, so that I had no option but to look him in the face.

Unfortunately he had come to the conclusion that I was trying to 'win all the ladies attention' as he called it by being charming and helpful. The reason why he's now in such a sour mood. I couldn't help that by not rebuffing other girls as harshly as I do for Veronica, that they take it as encouragement… I don't even like being rude to Veronica. It's just she's the most persistent of the lot and I really couldn't stand her.

Luckily Starling had come to my rescue. Unluckily we were now experiencing another Finn vs Starling throwdown. I then realized two members of our group had yet to join the argument …Ahem… conversation.
To the right of Finn and in front of Starling sat Seth but he usually remained silent throughout class, unless Finn poked or annoyed him enough (Finn's favourite hobby during class) to set him off. To the left of me sat James who unlike Seth, usually would have made a few comments by now in hopes to try and calm the two hotheads down a bit.

"Hey buddy you okay?" I whispered.

"Huh?" He raised his head to look at me and I saw his eyes coming back into focus. "Sorry Aerrow I was just thinking."
"What were you thinking about?"
He shifted as if uncomfortable with my sudden interest. "Nothing.. Just… Nothing."

"Hey," I placed my hand on his shoulder. "You can tell me."
He gazed around to make sure no one was listening in, though I doubt that anyone could hear us over the screaming match next to us. "I was just thinking how weird it was, is all."
"How weird what was?"

He leaned closer to me and lowered his voice. "That wind this morning, it came up out of no where."
I raised my eyebrows, that was not what I was expecting. "It was definitely strange." I agreed.

"It's just like all those other accidents though, the bathroom, the drinking fountain, the lights…"

"What is it James?" I asked, unsure of where he was going with this.

"I never noticed it before but whenever something weird has happened, Piper's been there. And then this morning….I mean I know there's a reasonable explanation for the accidents and I know it sounds crazy but…."

"Yeah?" I encouraged, seeing he was hesitant to finish his sentence.

"I mean it looked like the wind came from Piper."

I stared at him and took in his features like his short chestnut hair and stormy grey eyes. A lot of people misjudge James. With his big build, strong arms and tanned complexion, it's easy to assume he's just your average jock; spoiled, vain and has a high opinion of himself.

It couldn't be further from the truth, James is the most sensitive person I've ever met. And he'd much rather work and get his hands dirty in his family's garage then go out for any kind of sport. It was in fact because of the garage, the reason why he was so built; being a mechanic required a lot of heavy lifting. He didn't work-out or take steroids like a lot of people said behind his back- His family had really high expectations of him and expected him to take over the family business when he was ready which was why he worked so hard to prove himself.

But more than that he was a loyal friend, and whilst he may not be the sharpest knife in the kitchen he saw things in a way no one else did. And his quiet and gentle nature led to him making rather remarkable observations- And I think now was one of those times.

'But that was impossible… wasn't it?'

oOoOo

After my conversation with James I had a lot to think about. The teacher had come in after James had told me about what he saw, or thought he saw, quieting down Starling and Finn and stopping me from questioning him further.

After class we talked some more and James told me how he must have just been sitting at a strange angle and that he was mistaken and went on to reassure me that he was fine and not to worry about his lapse in sanity as he called it. After that he seemed much happier and back to himself having got rid of his uncertainty.

I was currently switching some of my books at my locker and pondering how James had done a 180 since this morning, however I knew how he hated to think bad of anyone so I could see how during class he had come to the conclusion that what he thought he saw, was in fact impossible and that thinking Piper was causing the accidents, was almost as bad as the insults Veronica was constantly throwing at her. At least to him anyway. And yet I couldn't help but wonder..

"Hey Aerrow!" I paused whilst reaching for a book. I turned to see who was talking to me.
"Oh hey Dove." Dove was a pretty girl who was in the year above me, she was tall, slim and had dark raven hair. She looked a lot like Starling I noticed, except Starling preferred to dye her hair an electric purple, for reasons I cannot comprehend.
She ducked her head and peered up from beneath her eyelashes, I think she was trying to look demure. "I was just wondering if you're doing anything tomorrow night."

'Oh no… is she trying to ask me out?'

"Thursday I have training at the gym."
"Oh.." She lowered her head not trying to hide her disappointment. "Well maybe another day then, if you want there's a new movie on down at the cinema, we could go together."

"Like a date?"
Her eyes brightened "Yeah."

"Look Dove I'm sorry.." I spotted something behind her, Finn was at his locker but had his eyes glued to us. Oh god- I really didn't need this right now. Finn had liked Dove since 8th grade, so it was no wonder he was scowling at the scene before him like he wanted to come over here and kick my ass.

But he wasn't the only one watching us.

Piper was at her locker across the lawn but she too was looking at me and Dove intently.

I shook my head and realized I still hadn't finished my sentence. I focused back on Dove to see her eagerly waiting for my answer.
"I'm sorry but I can't Dove, I gotta go." I quickly slammed my locker door shut and brushed past her and headed straight for Piper.

Seeing me heading her way she quickly focused her attention back on her locker and started to sort her books. I stopped walking when I was about a metre away and leaned against the lockers. "Hey."
She briefly glanced at me "Hey."

I sighed "You know this morning was about me not you, Veronica just doesn't like it when I talk to other girls."

Without looking at me she asked "Why? Did you two go out or something?"

I raised an eyebrow. "No. It would be a cold day in hell before I ever consented to go out with someone like her, she just has it in her mind that she and she alone is good enough for me…"

"Ah, your typical most popular girl and most popular guy makes a dream couple stereotype. Am I right?" she stated, a touch of humor laced into her words.
"Unfortunately." I agreed.
"Got to love the clichés." She mumbled.

I watched her pull down some more books from her locker shelf and closely examine each one like they were old friends.
"Did you mean what you said this morning?" I asked.
She paused. "You don't want to be friends with me Aerrow."
"Isn't that for me to decide?"

She remained quiet, still refusing to look at me.
"There's something about you Piper.." I blurted before I could stop myself.

Now that got a reaction. Her head snapped in my direction. Quickly realizing her slipup she hastily resumed her task of sorting her books and avoiding eye contact.
"Well what if I don't want to be friends with you?" she bit out.

"I find that hard to believe." I replied.

She raised an eyebrow and glanced at me from the corner of her eye. "Bit cocky don't you reckon?"

"I know you're different… But you don't seem like a person who wants to shut people out… So why ignore people? Why distance yourself?"

She looked down. "Everyone has secrets."

"Maybe I'd like to know yours."

She shut her locker door and turned to face me. Her face, closed and cold. "And that's exactly why we can't be friends- They're secrets for a reason."

oOoOo

I couldn't help but reflect on the conversations I'd had today; the one with James I pushed to the back of my mind, along with all the possibilities that came with it, after all James had asked me to give it no further thought.

The one with Piper only made me more uncertain, she had walked away after she insinuated that I was being nosy, which have to admit I was being, just a little. She was just so hard to talk to, one minute she was this open and friendly person, the next she was reserved and distant. Yet for the life of me, I could not find it in me to leave well enough alone.

I pulled my motorbike up into the garage and cut the engine. I had gone for a ride after school in order to clear my mind and feel the wind on my face- there's no better feeling in the world.
I sat there for a second just gathering my thoughts before I dismounted and headed for the front door. I got my keys out and unlocked the door, as I stepped through the threshold I yelled "Hello! Anyone home?"

A long string of barks and the thud of paws was my answer. I smiled and shut the door, I quickly turned around in time to see a huge bundle of black and silver fur barreling towards me.
"Hey buddy!" I kneeled down on the ground and patted his head "How you been huh?" He butted me with his head a few times before rolling onto his back and whining.
"Want a belly rub boy?" He barked in response, I laughed and started to give him a good old rub.

Radarr was my best friend in the whole world, most people would just label their dog a pet but not me, Radarr was much more than that. I found him when I was 6 years old, he was just a puppy on the streets starving and close to death, he didn't like me much at first but after I fed him and cared for him he became almost like a brother to me. It made sense since he seemed to be a Rottweiler; which are aggressive to outsiders and loyal towards loved ones.

"Aerrow! Will you stop spoiling that dog!"

I looked up. "Can't help it, he's been cooped up all day."

"Can you come help me with these groceries Mr. Greets dog first before his beloved Aunty?"

I laughed. "Sorry Aunt Morgane, I did call out."

She popped her head out into the hallway. "Are you calling me deaf?"

"I'd think one-track minded is a more appropriate assumption."

She narrowed her brown eyes playfully "I prefer the term focused thank you very much." And with a swish of her red hair, walked back into the kitchen.

Chuckling under my breath I followed her with Radarr dancing around my legs.
I walked into the kitchen and immediately started helping her unload the bags. Morgane was my father's sister and the best guardian in the whole world, she didn't try to take my parents place but she did everything she could to look after me and make sure I was happy all these years.

"Oh and Suzi-Lu called to ask if you'd come down to the animal shelter soon."

"Okay, I'll probably drop by Friday after school." All the greens I'd unpacked were starting to form a hillside 'Gee, do we really need this much food!?'

"You should take him for a walk." Aunt Morgane said while gesturing at Radarr. I picked up the pile vegetables and started putting them in the fridge.

"Another health kick, really?" I said whilst holding out my arms full of vegetables. She smiled and proceeded to ignore me.

I looked back at Radarr who was running around the kitchen like crazy. "He looks like he needs it." I agreed.

"You look like you do too." I looked back at her to see her staring at me appraisingly. "Rough day at school?"
"Something like that." I mumbled.
She laughed. "Then don't let me stop you- go on! Scat!" she said whilst waving her hands dramatically through the air.
"But what about-"
"Never mind the shopping, I can handle the last few bags! Now shoo!" She was by this stage literally pushing me toward the front door.

"Okay! Okay!" I laughed and slapped her hands away "I'm going! Geez already trying to kick me out." I smiled, to which she smirked in response.
I grabbed the lead and yelled "You coming Radarr?" He barked and came running down the hallway and before my Aunt could push me again, I had Radarr on lead, out the door and down the street.

After a few blocks Radarr still hadn't relented on the tug of war of the lead between us.
"Woah boy! Slow down!" Radarr was usually energetic, but this was ridiculous. I looked across the road, at the forest that bordered the town. I shrugged my shoulders, might as well let him go for a run in there, it would save my arms from being pulled out of their sockets.
"Come on- this way."

After we got past the first tree's I unhooked Radarr's leash and watched him go running off. I walked at my own pace for awhile and took in my surroundings. I hadn't been for a walk through here for a few weeks but there was something different…. Everything appeared more… Alive somehow. The trees were greener, the flowers bigger, the birds more happy.

It was then I realized I hadn't heard or seen Radarr for some time.
I whistled…. Nothing. I called his name… still nothing. Now I was getting worried, Radarr always answered me.

I broke into a run. "RADARR- WHERE ARE YOU!"
I thought I heard a bark to my right in the distance, I took off in that direction "COME HERE BOY!" I followed his barks until I found him jumping around beside some dense bushes.

"What are you doing! You gave me a heart attack disappearing like that!" Radarr whined in response and nudged his nose against my leg. I sighed "It's okay- just don't scare me like that again."
He snorted.
"I'll take that as an agreement." I chuckled.

Radarr then bounded over to the bushes and looked at me and then back at the bushes, as if trying to tell me something. "What is it boy?" He woofed in response and then disappeared through the bushes.

"Okay then.."

I started to push my way through the bushes expecting resistance but it was easier to get through then it looked from the outside and all of a sudden bright light hit my eyes and I had to throw my hands up to shield them.

Once my eyes adjusted to direct sunlight I opened them and gazed around. It was a clearing full of flowers, climbers lined and wrapped themselves around the trees, the ground was scattered with stargazer, enchantment and black magic lilies as well as many others flowers I didn't recognize. Radarr was happily lapping away at the small creek that ran through the clearing.

Rays of sunlight broke through the canopy, making the flowers they hit glow with radiance and highlighted the motes of pollen as they danced through the air.
The jasmine climbers perfumed the air with a sweet smelling fragrance and the rose climbers they intertwined with were budding with shoots of every colour.

There was so much colour, I didn't know where to look first. I had never seen so many flowers in my life.

Out of the corner of my eye I suddenly saw a silhouette standing by a weeping willow at the edge of the clearing, the outline of the shadow looked feminine and vaguely familiar but when I turned to look, it was gone.